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Indians bring back former prospect Miller

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Adam Miller was drafted by the Indians in 2003.

By Jordan Bastian
/
MLB.com |

GOODYEAR, Ariz. -- The Indians stuck by Adam Miller through four finger surgeries and gave him a chance to embark on an improbable comeback trail. Cleveland is once again offering the former pitching prospect the opportunity to continue his professional career.

On Tuesday, the Indians announced they have signed Miller to a Minor League contract. Miller spent nine seasons in Cleveland's system after being selected in the first round of the 2003 First-Year Player Draft by the club but was out of affiliated baseball last year.

After being released by the Yankees after the 2012 season, the 29-year-old Miller spent '13 with the Sugar Land Skeeters in the independent Atlantic League, posting a 4.79 ERA in 36 appearances. The right-hander came up as a starter but transitioned to a relief role during his run with the Indians from '03-11.

Miller was one of the Tribe's top pitching prospects until right middle finger issues began to take a toll as early as 2007. Miller missed most of '08 and sat out the '09-10 seasons after undergoing surgeries to repair damage to the pulley ligaments in the finger. The tip of the middle finger on his throwing hand is permanently bent due to the wave of procedures.

Miller has reported to Minor League camp for the Indians, who are offering him a chance to continue his long comeback as a reliever. In 200 career Minor League games, including his stint in New York's system, Miller has posted a 3.93 ERA with 585 strikeouts and 221 walks in 661 2/3 innings.